Three teenagers have denied plotting terrorist attacks with pipe bombs and homemade explosives.

The youths, believed to be right-wing extremists, had partially-assembled weapons including pipe and petrol bombs and improvised explosive devices when they were arrested in February, the Old Bailey heard.

One of them is accused of possessing a haul that included air rifles, a crossbow, stab-proof vest and a banned terror manual, the Mujahideen Poisons Handbook.

He was also allegedly caught with a notebook setting out plans for launching attacks and building explosives.

One teenager appeared via video-link from Feltham Young Offender Institution.

His two co-defendants are both on bail.

The trio, all aged 17 and from Loughborough, spoke only to confirm their identities and enter pleas to the charges, which relate to a period between January 1 last year and March 7 this year.

Their alleged plot was uncovered after one of the youths was arrested in Granby Street, Loughborough, on an unrelated matter on February 13.

The youth held in custody denies possessing an article for a purpose connected with terrorism, possessing a document likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism and possessing an article for a purpose connected with terrorism.

Another denies possessing an article for a purpose connected with terrorism.

The third denies doing an act with intent to cause an explosion and possessing an explosive substance with intent.

All three are due to return to court for a review hearing in August.

A man is fighting for his life in a Cyprus hospital after he suffered injuries on his way back to his hotel.

Danny Brewster, 22, of Whitwick, is understood to be in an induced coma in Nicosia General Hospital after being injured in a late-night incident.

The welder had flown to Cyprus to be best man for a friend who was getting married on the island.

The nature of the incident which left Danny injured is not clear. It happened last Friday night.

His mother, Karen Brewster, flew out to be at his hospital bedside on Saturday and friends are trying to raise enough money to send his father, Jason, and his two sisters to be by his side.

Danny's girlfriend, Hannah-Marie Shaw, who is also out in Cyprus, said on Facebook that she was reading out texts to him from well-wishers.

Whitwick resident Maxine Hosking, who is a friend of Hannah's mother, said the family had told her that Danny's condition had improved since the accident, and he was now breathing on his own.

"I have heard that he has even moved his hand, so that is good news too," she said.

"Danny is a great lad – a real home-loving bloke who likes to be around his friends and family."

Hannah is keeping people back in Whitwick updated on Danny's progress by posting on his Facebook site.

On Monday she posted: "Majorly overwhelming the amount of people sending well wishes and positive thoughts. Dan would be loving it – all this attention, bless him!

"I've told him you're all thinking of him and praying for him.

"Don't stop though, he's still fighting and far from better. Thank you so much for all of your support. Keep it coming.

"Send me your messages, well wishes and prayers and I will read them to him. Love Hannah xxxxxx"

Meanwhile, Maxine is helping to organise a family fun day at Danny's local pub to raise the money to send the rest of his family out to Cyprus.

"It's a pleasure for us to try to help him and his family in this troubled time," she said.

"We're staging a big family fun day at the White Horse in Whitwick. We would love to hear from anyone who can help in any way.

"The aim is to get the community together to support one of our own.

"The idea is to raise as much money as we can to pay for Danny's dad and sisters to fly out to be with him in Cyprus."

The Rev Alan Burgess held a prayer meeting on Monday night for Danny at St John the Baptist Church in the village.

He said: "We were made aware of the situation through all the activity on Facebook.

"We thought it would be nice to organise a devoted prayer meeting so that anyone could come along. It was the least we could do to provide a focus for people's prayers for such a popular local young man.

"All our thoughts and prayers are with Danny and his family as they support him through this."

Danny's Day Part One, as the event is being called, is to be held at the White Horse, in Whitwick, on July 7, starting at noon. There will be a barbecue, live music, raffles, stalls and refreshments. Anyone who would like to help or donate prizes can contact Maxine on 07940 204 306.

A grandmother who is battling advanced cancer is set to take part in Race for Life in a show of solidarity with her daughter, granddaughter and more than 5,000 other women.

Linda Wells, 51, from Earl Shilton, is joining more than 40 women and girls who make up The Wild Crew – a team formed by her daughter, Debbie Gardner, and eight-year-old grand-daughter, Evie.

Debbie, from Hinckley, has already raised £500 and hopes the team will raise another £4,000 in sponsorship by taking part in the 5k race in the city's Victoria Park.

Immediately after the event, Debbie, a mum of two, has organised a pamper party for team members to raise even more funds and there are plans to stage a Zumbathon in honour of her mum next Saturday.

The 31-year-old said: "You feel so helpless when someone close is going through cancer and I felt I wanted to do everything in my power to make a difference.

"I wanted to do something positive to focus on and I posted what I wanted to do on Facebook and so many people came forward I thought we would just go for it.

"We are doing the 10k event and, rather than racing, we have decided to walk, wiggle and giggle round the course."

Her mother, Linda, who also suffers from Crohn's disease, was diagnosed with breast cancer in April last year.

She underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy and thought she was fine until a blood test for Crohn's disease revealed the cancer had returned in her liver.

She said: "At this stage there are no operations I can have. It is just a case of keeping it under control. But I haven't given up.

"I am a fighter, I've always been a fighter and I always bounce back."

Despite still having chemotherapy, Linda, who has two children and four grandchildren, is continuing work as a carer at Limes Day Centre for the elderly in Hinckley.

She said: "Working is my way of dealing with it. I am not going to sit at home and nurse this when I can still get out.

"And if I can help other people by doing Race for Life, then that's what I'll do."

Katie Martin, Cancer Research UK's Leicestershire events manager, said: "Like so many people who take part in Race for Life against the odds, Linda is a true inspiration.

"We are thrilled she and her team will be able to join us on Sunday for what will be an emotional but amazing event.

"Participants may be decked out in pink or fancy dress but what is inescapable is the power and strength that comes from thousands of women joining together to confront cancer."

Plans to create a major office district near Leicester railway station could be back on track after regeneration bosses secured a multi-million-pound cash boost.

The agency charged with growing the city and county's economy, Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), has revealed it has received £108 million from the EU's European Regional Development Fund to spend on business and employment growth.

The funding might be used to relocate the Royal Mail sorting depot, in Campbell Street, freeing up space for the development.

The plans were shelved after £9.2 million of public money earmarked to move the sorting office to a new home in the city fell victim to spending cuts.

Andy Rose, LLEP economic growth and investment manager, said the office district was among a number of potential development sites in the city and county which could benefit from the cash.

"That could be what some of the money is used for," he said. "But we have got other sites in the city and county that could be developed as well. It's funding to kick-start development."

Mr Rose said other projects which could benefit included the redevelopment of the city council's New Walk Centre headquarters and a proposed office site on the corner of Granby Street and Dover Street.

Planned developments in the county which could get cash injections included the Lubbesthorpe housing and business development near Braunstone Town.

Speaking about the possibility of using the cash to kick-start the office district plan, city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "I think that's a high priority, but it's not the only priority. I think two other attractive areas for development are the New Walk Centre site and the riverside area from West Bridge to Woodgate."

The LLEP is also set to be allocated up to £50 million each year from 2015 from the Government to support businesses, transport and housing projects.

Sir Peter said he would like to see more funding for development made available by the Government.

"Although it's a large sum, there are a lot of schemes we want to do," he said.

Andrew Bacon, LLEP chairman, said: "This funding is very welcome news for our area.

"We will try to ensure that every public pound that we invest levers in nine pounds of private investment."

The idea of creating an office district adjacent to the railway station has been talked about for more than a decade.

It is hoped the project, which would be led by a private sector developer, would attract hundreds of jobs to the city. However, the presence of the Royal Mail sorting office has been a major stumbling block.

A previous attempt to move it to Charter Street, off Belgrave Gate, was scuppered after public funding was withdrawn.

A Royal Mail spokesman said it was unable to comment on the plans.

George North scored one of the most memorable tries in British & Irish Lions history last Saturday with a 60-metre solo effort during a 23-21 first Test victory over Australia, at Suncorp Stadium. Here, we remember five great Lions tries.

GEORGE NORTH

(v Australia, first Test 2013, Brisbane)

The wing fielded Wallabies full-back Berrick Barnes' kick 10 metres inside his own half, and ghosted past three defenders before showboating clear of final would-be tackler Will Genia.

BRIAN O'DRISCOLL

(v Australia, first Test 2001, Brisbane)

Mercurial Ireland centre O'Driscoll highlighted an imperious Lions performance at the Gabba when he waltzed through transfixed Wallabies defenders from the halfway line to score. It was the highlight of a match that the Lions went on to win 29-13.

JOHN BENTLEY

(v Gauteng, 1997, Johannesburg)

Former rugby league wing Bentley left five defenders in his wake during a 60-metre solo surge at Ellis Park. They barely laid a finger on him as he beat two players out wide, then cut inside and ghosted past three more before going over.

MATT DAWSON

(v South Africa, first Test 1997, Cape Town)

The Lions had been written off before the series, but England scrum-half Dawson sent them on the way to a stunning win at Newlands when he broke down the blindside of a scrum. He then threw a dummy overhead pass that completely foxed Springboks No.8 Gary Teichmann before racing through to touch down unopposed.

RORY UNDERWOOD

(v New Zealand, second Test 1993, Wellington)

Leicester Tigers and England speedster Underwood showcased his blistering pace through a brilliant 45-metre touchline run after taking centre Jeremy Guscott's pass following a break by scrum-half Dewi Morris. It was the highlight of a 20-7 Lions victory .

Professional footballer or pop star? It's the ultimate choice for almost every teenage boy.

For 17-year-old Joe Elliott, it is one he has had to make – and he has chosen football.

Now the Aylestone youngster is all set to join Romanian side Dinamo Bucharest on a one-year deal.

Elliott, who can play either as a defensive midfielder or at centre-back, began his career playing for Highfield Rangers before being spotted by Leicester City.

He played there for two years before being released due to his lack of height, before also playing for Derby, Coventry and Stoke's youth teams.

But in pursuing his professional footballing dream, Elliott has had to turn down the offer of performing full-time with 1980s ska band Bad Manners.

The band had three top-10 hits during the '80s, including Special Brew, Can Can and My Girl Lollipop (My Boy Lollipop).

Elliott, who studied at Countesthorpe College, has been playing trumpet for the band for the past six years, since he was 11 years old.

His musical talents were first spotted in 2007 when his father, Mick, a scout for Leicester City at the time, was discussing players at his house with fellow scout Kevin Jackson.

Jackson was also the security manager for Bad Manners and, after hearing Elliott practising his trumpet, was so impressed he immediately phoned the band's lead singer, Buster Bloodvessel, to let him listen.

Elliott was invited to attend a gig that night at the Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, where he played live on stage and has continued to play trumpet for them since.

The famously large Bloodvessel, who also voiced their top-20 hit Lip Up Fatty, wants Elliott to play for the band full-time, but the youngster has made the difficult decision to turn his back on the pop-star lifestyle to pursue his career as a footballer.

Elliott began last season at Gemeg, a football development and education centre coached by former City defender Matt Elliott.

Five months ago, he moved to Tenerife to play for CD Sobradillo, where he established himself as a key player and caught the eye of a number of European sides.

That resulted in a trial with Romanian Liga 1 side Dinamo Bucharest.

Elliott spent five days with the club at the end of May and, after impressing the coaches and manager while playing in the reserves, was offered a one-year contract.

He is due to return to Romania on July 15 to begin pre-season training with Bucharest, and is looking forward to the challenge with a top European side.

But if his football career does not work out, he will at least have the life of a pop star to fall back on.

Vocal virtuosos are flying halfway round the world to prove themselves as the best of barbershop.

The 47-strong Grand Central Chorus will represent the United Kingdom at the Barbershop Harmony Society's international convention in Toronto, Canada.

They will compete against 27 countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia.

Dave Eason, 65, from Ashby, is one of the Leicestershire members of the Midlands chorus.

He is due to fly out tomorrow and spend the week with the rest of the all-male ensemble in the plush Fairmont Royal York Hotel before the choral competition on Friday.

"This has changed my life," said David.

"If someone had told me I would be flying halfway around the world to compete in a national singing competition, I would never have believed them."

Dave will land in Toronto on Monday, which is Canada Day.

"It will be great when we get there, there will be fireworks and parties," he said.

"The following day, we go to Niagara Falls and then we've got to start preparing for the competition."

The group will sing two songs in the competition, which is being held at the Air Canada Centre.

Dave and the group will perform I'll Be Seeing You and South Rampart Street Parade in a bid to be named world barbershop champions.

But they need to beat a host of experienced American groups, including the Singing Buckeyes, the Westchester Chordsmen and the Upstate Harmonizers.

Lead singer Ron Tucker, 81, from Ashby, is the oldest member of the group. He joined about 18 months ago. He said the chorus was performing better than ever but would have a tough task against some of the Americans.

He said: "Barbershop was born in the United States, so naturally they're incredibly good at it.

"I'm not saying we're not good – we're performing better than ever before – but I think a sensible target is about 10th or 15th.

"But whatever happens, we're going to go in with our heads held high and fly the flag for England."

Dave, Ron and the rest of the group have paid part of the cost of the trip by holding a series of fund-raising events.

The British Association of Barbershop Singers has also helped with funding.

The Grand Central Chorus is made up of 47 members, aged between 20 and 81, who meet every Wednesday to perfect their harmonies.

For more information, visit:

www.grandcentralchorus. com

A horse trainer has told how he was nearly killed when he was kicked by one of his animals.

Derek Shaw, who runs a training yard in Sproxton, near Melton, was rushed to hospital with massive internal bleeding and underwent emergency surgery to remove a ruptured spleen.

The 55-year-old spoke to the Mercury yesterday as he was recovering at home after the incident in a field at his yard last week.

"It was touch-and-go at one point," said Derek. "As they took me into theatre, they told me it might not go well.

"I told them not to worry because what would be, would be. Luckily, they were able to save my life and I am still here."

He was injured after he was caught between two mares with their foals on the evening of Wednesday, June 19.

He said he was lucky not to have suffered an even worse injury.

"If the mare had been a foot further back, the kick would have been to my head and I would have been dead, no question about that," he said.

He said he was already back out and about on the yard.

He said: "I can potter about to see how things are going. I feel I'm lucky to be here at all, so I want to get on with things. I'm concentrating on getting fit and getting my next winner."

The accident comes after his 15-month-old daughter, Ellie Mae, died after banging her head on the metal steps of a tractor after falling from her father's arms in January, 2010.

His wife, Lyndsey, who is 20 weeks pregnant with a girl, said a member of staff who was with her husband when he was kicked raised the alarm.

The 33-year-old said: "I got straight out there to Derek and he was in a bad way.

"I called the ambulance and they took him to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham.

"It has been a pretty exhausting and awful past week or so, particularly with my being pregnant. Derek came home on Wednesday and it's good to have him back here."

Lyndsey said when her husband came round after surgery, he told her to get to Ascot with one of their horses that was racing.

She said: "It was about 3am and he wanted to talk about the horse supposed to be running that day. He told me he was fine. I went home, had an hour's sleep then went to Ascot with the horse."

A couple faced every parents' nightmare when their 13-month-old child stopped breathing.

They swung into action at their Saffron Lane home when their baby started turning blue last Sunday afternoon.

While dad-of-nine Martin Easingwood pumped baby Koburn's chest, mum Kelly Parker relayed instructions to him from an ambulance call handler.

Martin, 50, an unemployed security guard and driver, said: "His mum was changing his nappy when his eyes went back into his head and he stopped breathing."

He rushed to the kitchen with the unconscious younger to avoid panicking the couple's five other children, all aged under 12.

"He started going blue and purple," said Martin. "I started pumping his chest while Kelly was on the phone to a 999 call handler and his brothers and sister were crying and shouting his name.

"He eventually opened his eyes after what seemed like a long time, but he started fitting."

Two ambulances – one from Wigston and one from Leicester Royal Infirmary – were sent and they were there within 10 to 15 minutes.

The youngster was rushed to the infirmary with his mother, where he continued to suffer fits and stopped breathing again before being resuscitated once more.

Kelly said: "His heart stopped and he was put on a machine to breathe before being taken for a CT scan and then into intensive care.

"He came round at 7pm and shouted 'Dad, Dad, bott bott'. He was still having after shocks from the fitting and was given more medication."

Koburn was transferred to a children's ward later that night and was allowed home on Thursday.

"He's so bubbly now," said Kelly. "We've taken pictures to be able to show him a timeline of what happened for when he's older."

Martin, who also has three older children, said: "I felt quite calm when it happened. I've picked things up over the years having worked as a security guard for the infirmary, so I knew what to do.

"I'm so pleased and overwhelmed that he did respond and we're so grateful to the ambulance paramedics – they were brilliant. Once he was in their hands, I knew he was safe."

Koburn underwent a lumbar puncture on Wednesday, testing for the possibility of meningitis or epilepsy, said his parents.

The youngster will have to go back to the infirmary for further testing over the next few months, but Martin hopes the worst is behind them.

"It's a relief now he's home and, apart from a few more tests, it's back to normal."

Cases dealt with at Leicester Magistrates' Court include:

Lydia Raisin (28), of Halstead Road, Mountsorrel, pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to notify the authorities of a change in circumstances which would have affected her benefits between December 2011 and September 2012.

She was ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and pay £50 costs.

Rachael Hunt (28), of Curle Close, Coalville, pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to inform the authorities of a change in circumstances which would have affected her benefits between August 2011 and August 2012.

She was conditionally discharged for a year and ordered to pay £85 costs.

Prakesh Gurung (28), of Hungarton Boulevard, Humberstone, Leicester, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance on February 11.

He was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for a year, and disqualified from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay £85 costs.

Alan Bateman (40), of Braybrooke Road, Humberstone, Leicester, pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer on April 7.

He was placed on a supervision order for a year and ordered to pay the officer £40 compensation. He was also ordered to pay £50 costs.

Darren Mitchell (37), of Grange Lane, Leicester, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis on April 26.

He was fined £65 and ordered to pay £40 costs.

Aaron Dean (35), of Rosebarn Way, Netherhall, Leicester, pleaded guilty to smoking in a smoke-free enclosed area on November 13.

He was fined £50, with £25 costs.

Nicki Gibson (31), of Wordsworth Road, Knighton, pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a knife on April 2.

He also pleaded guilty to sending a threatening text message to a man on the same date and to using threatening words and behaviour on April 2.

He was given a six-week prison sentence, suspended for a year. He was placed on a 12-month community order with an alcohol treatment requirement.

He was also ordered to pay his victim £80 compensation.

A company says it regrets how a disabled man with a degenerative bone condition was treated when his wheelchair was branded a health and safety hazard.

Charles Foreman, of Market Harborough – visited the Leicester Medical Examination Centre, in Halford Street, for an assessment related to his incapacity benefit last week.

However, the 52-year-old former foundry worker was turned away from the centre.

His wife Karen, also 52, said she was told the building was not equipped for wheelchairs and – in the case of a fire – he was a risk and a health and safety hazard.

Harborough MP Sir Edward Garnier wrote to Atos Healthcare, which is responsible for the service, demanding to know why Mr Foreman was treated poorly and inconvenienced – and why there is no disabled access at a building dedicated to medical assessment.

In its response, customer relations manager Brian Pepper explained that the organisation regretted the way Mr Foreman had been treated and the member of staff responsible would receive "feedback" from the centre manager.

Mr Pepper said: "I was very sorry to read about the upset both Mr and Mrs Foreman experienced as a result of their attendance at the Leicester Medical Examination Centre and wish to confirm that it is inappropriate for any of our medical centre administrators to behave in the manner in which they describe.

"For the safety of customers, the health and safety and fire evacuation procedures in the buildings that we use to carry out assessments mean we are unable to allow people into the building who use walking aids or have mobility problems unless they are able to exit the building using stairs in the event of an emergency.

"The majority of buildings we use are on the ground floor, but, unfortunately, the accommodation at Leicester is not."

Sir Edward had written: "As I trust you can understand, they are annoyed that they were not told about the wheelchair prohibition before they set off from Market Harborough.

"I can accept that there are certain places where, with the best will in the world, it is not possible to allow access to people in wheelchairs, but I find it extraordinary that an agency whose very purpose is to assess people with disability benefits claims does not have facilities to allow wheelchair access.

"It appears that your staff's attitude towards the Foremans leaves a great deal to be desired and their customer care needs improving considerably."

Charles' wife Karen said: "We're really grateful for Mr Garnier's involvement and want to thank him for highlighting the issue and getting our point across.

"I'm pleased that the company has admitted that there's a problem. Hopefully it will do something to correct it now."

Miracle man Tommy Bowe will complete a remarkable recovery from injury when he lines up for the British & Irish Lions in today's second Test against Australia.

The Ireland winger's tour appeared to be over less than three weeks ago after he broke his hand during the 22-12 victory over Queensland Reds.

Initial medical opinion pointed to an early flight home, but Bowe has confounded logic and will run out at the Etihad Stadium wearing a hurling glove for added protection.

"I was pretty much told it was curtains when I hurt my hand," said Bowe. "On the side of the pitch, the doctor just said 'I'm sorry'. I went for X-rays and they all showed a spiral fracture down through the metacarpal. My family are all over here, and I just texted them all to say 'game over'. I thought that was it."

Lions doctor Eanna Falvey, though, rang Brisbane-based orthopaedic surgeon Dr Peter Rowan, and it proved a tour-changing moment for Bowe.

"Eanna called the surgeon who said he'd had rugby league guys coming back within three weeks, maximum, so that was the shining light, the opportunity that there might be a chance to stay on" he said.

"When I got back to the hotel it was a range of emotions – to go from the lows, thinking your tour is over so early into it, to thinking that you have a chance.

"I didn't know whether I would be back in time for the Test matches, but there was always that opportunity, and to get picked now is an even higher emotion."

Now that 29-year-old Bowe has a chance to play in the Test series, his game-breaking ability could prove significant if the Lions are to end their run of 16 years without success overseas.

"Today is a huge pressure match, but that is what you want to play in" he said.

"With these big games, come massive rewards.

Instruments ranging from a rock-splitter to an alien life-detector could be sent on a mission to Mars.

Nasa's top Martian scientists visited the University of Leicester this week to discuss how its academics could help with future exploration.

The American space agency is aiming to send another robotic rover to Mars in seven years time, to pave the way for human expeditions.

Space scientists from the city and States are already collaborating on the Curiosity rover, which is searching for evidence of past Martian environments capable of supporting microbes.

On Tuesday, Nasa Mars programme director Jim Green and Michael Meyer, lead scientist on the Mars Exploration Programme, met Leicester academics to discuss groundbreaking space science techniques.

They include an innovative rock splitter and the Life Marker Chip, an instrument which measures molecules associated with past or present life.

The university academics also discussed methods for studying minerals on the Martian surface using X-rays and their contributions to the European Space Agency's nuclear power programme.

All are being considered for the 2020 mission.

Professor Mark Sims, professor of astrobiology and space instrumentation, said: "It was a fantastic opportunity to show Nasa the size of the Mars research programme at the university, which has expanded considerably over the past decade, and to highlight some of the techniques we are helping to develop which would produce good science on Mars.

"We hope, UK funding allowing and subject to successful bids, to continue to play major roles in future international Mars and space exploration missions."

The University of Leicester also collaborated with Nasa on the failed Beagle 2 mission.

It is part of the European Space Agency's team working on the 2016 and 2018 ExoMars missions, to search for past or present bio-signatures.

Josh Barker, from the space communication team at Leicester's National Space Centre, said: "Over the past few years, scientists from the University of Leicester have been involved in many Martian missions. This, coupled with their work on instruments from Martian satellites, current and past, has built a huge bank of expertise that Nasa may draw on as it makes plans for its rover mission in 2020."

Nasa's Mars Exploration Program is engaged in a long-term robotic exploration of the Red Planet.

It is gathering information about the challenges of future manned expeditions.

Q There are two new faces set to arrive at the King Power Stadium – Terry Robinson as a 'director of football' and Sir Dave Richards. Firstly, what role do you see Robinson having and what credentials does he have?

A Terry has vast experience from his spells as chairman of Bury and Sheffield United, and president of Hungarian side Ferencvárosi. More recently, he has been the academy director at Stoke City and helped them achieve category one status.

Sources say he is coming in as a director of football, but that title is ambiguous as there are so many different models of a director of football. We will ultimately see what his role will be but, I understand, he will be working closely with Nigel Pearson and assisting with squad building, chiefly to help ensure the squad is able to meet the Financial Fair Play criteria.

Q Nigel Pearson doesn't strike me as someone who would like his authority undermined. How do you think the relationship will work?

A I am convinced Pearson would have been involved from the outset in this decision. I understand he knows Robinson and probably even recommended him for the role. I can't imagine City have enforced a director of football on Pearson. That would not be wise.

Q Is the appointment of Robinson a good thing for City, in your opinion?

A Yes. He has great experience and is well respected in the game. If he can help achieve City's main aim of getting the unwanted players on good contracts off the books and enable Pearson to add the players he wants he will have performed a vital role.

Q A lot of the speculation was that Sir Dave Richards was coming as chairman but a number of sources have claimed he has denied it. What is happening?

A I understand Sir Dave will be coming into the club in a senior role, possibly as an advisor or consultant. He has vast experience in football and fantastic contacts. He may divide opinion in some quarters but you can't argue with what he has achieved as chairman of the Premier League, which has become the richest league in the world.

Q What do you expect his role to be? What will he bring to the club?

A I think he will advise chairman Vichai Srivaddhan-aprabha and provide a day-to-day consistent presence at the club. Chief executive Susan Whelan has juggled her role with City with her role within the King Power organisation and quite often is in Thailand on business.

I believe Sir Dave Richards will fill that void.

Q He knows Pearson from his time at Sheffield Wednesday doesn't he? Will Pearson have been consulted on either of the two appointments?

A Pearson was Wednesday captain when Richards was chairman at Hillsborough. They will know each other well. I am sure Pearson would have been aware of the appointments. I would be surprised if he wasn't.

Q The fixture list has been announced, so what is your initial reaction to the challenge Leicester City face at the start of the season?

A Of course you have to play everyone twice at some point, so in what order doesn't really matter. However, City do need to get off to a good start and looking at the opening fixtures I don't think their start is too bad.

It is difficult to really tell who will be strong and who won't, but their first five fixtures are all against sides who were in the division last season, so they will be less of an unknown quantity.

Middlesbrough didn't finish the season very well, while I don't expect Birmingham, who City face in their fourth fixture, to be strong this season. Leeds United could be a surprise challenger but nothing to fear, and Derby County are always strong on home soil, but I can't see them making much of an impact this season.

Wigan Athletic at home on September 14 will be City's toughest test in the opening 10 fixtures.

Q You reported that Hull may not have given up on Kasper Schmeichel just yet. What is the current situation? Will City be looking for a new keeper anytime soon?

A The soured relationship between Hull and City, which started when Pearson left the Tigers to return to City, has made any deal for Schmeichel impossible.

City are reluctant to lose such a good keeper, and certainly will not sell to Hull after their approaches for Cameron Stewart and Robert Koren were scoffed at so indignantly by the Tigers last year.

It would be interesting to see what would happen if another Premier League club comes in for Schmeichel and the player indicated he was keen to take the opportunity.

Q Any updates on players likely to leave the club?

A There appears to have been no headway made in players leaving the club, other than in Jermaine Beckford's case, where it is reported that Bolton are close to doing a deal.

Many players are on very good contracts that other clubs cannot match.

I can imagine they would be reluctant to take a massive pay cut to go elsewhere without getting a pay-off from the club, which the club may be reluctant to do.

Therefore, I wouldn't be surprised if several of them went out on loan next season and ran their contracts down.

Q There has been speculation over James Perch and Karl Henry as potential signings – how likely are we to see them at the King Power?

A I am told there may have been an enquiry about Newcastle's Perch but nothing more and City are not in for Wolves' Henry.

City are unlikely to be recruiting players from the Premier League who are already on big wages.

Instead, I believe that City will follow last summer's policy of recruiting younger players on smaller contracts who Pearson can work with and improve.

Financial Fair Play has frozen the transfer market. Clubs want to get their unwanted players out and won't recruit until they do.

Everyone is in the same boat so no-one is doing any business and there is very little money in the Championship.

An actor raped a 14-year-old girl and abused three other girls after "skillfully manipulating" vulnerable youngsters he met through his theatre work.

Matthew John Wilson, who was jailed for nine years yesterday, preyed on children and duped them into thinking they were in a relationship with him.

One 16-year-old became pregnant by him, but suffered a miscarriage, Leicester Crown Court was told.

The offences included Wilson downloading more than 2,000 indecent images of young girls.

The 34-year-old, of Elm Tree Drive, Burbage, is well known on the theatre scene in Hinckley and has appeared in numerous shows, mainly at the Concordia Theatre in the town.

Rebecca Herbert, prosecuting, said he used the theatre to meet, groom and abuse young girls through "skilful manipulation".

In 2002, Wilson, then 24, formed a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old.

Because of his young looks, the girl told her parents he was 17 and he was allowed into her bedroom, where a series of sex acts took place. Intercourse happened shortly after she turned 16, and she became pregnant, before miscarrying the child.

When he was 26, he turned his attention to a 13-year-old. He texted a picture of his bedroom saying: "Wish you were here."

When she was 14, he persuaded her to have intercourse. However, she found it painful and asked him to stop – which he ignored and proceeded to rape her.

A couple of years later, he repeatedly molested a girl when she was aged between 14 and 16.

In 2011, when he was 32, he befriended a 15-year-old. This led to kissing and grooming with talk of sexual activity.

The girl's sister saw text messages between the pair and alerted her parents, who called the police.

Mrs Herbert said it had "a harrowing effect" on the whole family.

An investigation unearthed the other three victims. Wilson told officers he was attracted to younger females as women his own age were not interested in him. He admitted raping the 14-year-old girl, as well as three counts of sexual activity with her.

He admitted five counts of indecently assaulting a 15-year-old girl.

The defendant pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a 14-year-old.

He admitted two counts of sexual activity with another 14-year-old girl and one of causing or inciting her to engage in sexual activity, including intercourse.

Wilson also pleaded guilty to four counts of making indecent photographs of children, by accessing illegal images of young girls on the internet, between January and June last year. They relate to 2,221 images at level one, the lowest level of seriousness, five images at level two, four images at level 3 and 24 images at level four.

Wilson, who has no previous convictions, was told he could expect to serve two-thirds of his nine-year sentence behind bars. Usually, half a sentence is served behind bars.

Sentencing, Judge Mark Rogers said: "Your behaviour has shattered the lives of a number of families.'' He said the victim impact statements where "truly shocking and distressing".

Wilson was told he will be on a sex offender register for life. He was banned from working with children and placed on a sex offences prevention order.

Philip Gibbs, mitigating, said: "His mother has written a letter from the heart putting into context the defendant's life. He's a damaged, weak, needy, socially-isolated adult and took sexual pleasure where he shouldn't have done and should have been a role model.

"He accepts he's done wrong."

After the hearing, Detective Constable Glen Williams, of Leicestershire Police's serious crime team, said: "I'd like to thank the victims for their co-operation, firstly in coming forward and also for their bravery in giving their accounts to the police."

Vocal virtuosos are flying halfway round the world to prove themselves as the best of barbershop.

The 47-strong Grand Central Chorus will represent the United Kingdom at the Barbershop Harmony Society's international convention in Toronto, Canada.

They will compete against 27 countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia.

Dave Eason, 65, from Ashby, is one of the Leicestershire members of the Midlands chorus.

He is due to fly out tomorrow and spend the week with the rest of the all-male ensemble in the plush Fairmont Royal York Hotel before the choral competition on Friday.

"This has changed my life," said David.

"If someone had told me I would be flying halfway around the world to compete in a national singing competition, I would never have believed them."

Dave will land in Toronto on Monday, which is Canada Day.

"It will be great when we get there, there will be fireworks and parties," he said.

"The following day, we go to Niagara Falls and then we've got to start preparing for the competition."

The group will sing two songs in the competition, which is being held at the Air Canada Centre.

Dave and the group will perform I'll Be Seeing You and South Rampart Street Parade in a bid to be named world barbershop champions.

But they need to beat a host of experienced American groups, including the Singing Buckeyes, the Westchester Chordsmen and the Upstate Harmonizers.

Lead singer Ron Tucker, 81, from Ashby, is the oldest member of the group. He joined about 18 months ago. He said the chorus was performing better than ever but would have a tough task against some of the Americans.

He said: "Barbershop was born in the United States, so naturally they're incredibly good at it.

"I'm not saying we're not good – we're performing better than ever before – but I think a sensible target is about 10th or 15th.

"But whatever happens, we're going to go in with our heads held high and fly the flag for England."

Dave, Ron and the rest of the group have paid part of the cost of the trip by holding a series of fund-raising events.

The British Association of Barbershop Singers has also helped with funding.

The Grand Central Chorus is made up of 47 members, aged between 20 and 81, who meet every Wednesday to perfect their harmonies.

For more information, visit:

www.grandcentralchorus. com

Instruments ranging from a rock-splitter to an alien life-detector could be sent on a mission to Mars.

Nasa's top Martian scientists visited the University of Leicester this week to discuss how its academics could help with future exploration.

The American space agency is aiming to send another robotic rover to Mars in seven years time, to pave the way for human expeditions.

Space scientists from the city and States are already collaborating on the Curiosity rover, which is searching for evidence of past Martian environments capable of supporting microbes.

On Tuesday, Nasa Mars programme director Jim Green and Michael Meyer, lead scientist on the Mars Exploration Programme, met Leicester academics to discuss groundbreaking space science techniques.

They include an innovative rock splitter and the Life Marker Chip, an instrument which measures molecules associated with past or present life.

The university academics also discussed methods for studying minerals on the Martian surface using X-rays and their contributions to the European Space Agency's nuclear power programme.

All are being considered for the 2020 mission.

Professor Mark Sims, professor of astrobiology and space instrumentation, said: "It was a fantastic opportunity to show Nasa the size of the Mars research programme at the university, which has expanded considerably over the past decade, and to highlight some of the techniques we are helping to develop which would produce good science on Mars.

"We hope, UK funding allowing and subject to successful bids, to continue to play major roles in future international Mars and space exploration missions."

The University of Leicester also collaborated with Nasa on the failed Beagle 2 mission.

It is part of the European Space Agency's team working on the 2016 and 2018 ExoMars missions, to search for past or present bio-signatures.

Josh Barker, from the space communication team at Leicester's National Space Centre, said: "Over the past few years, scientists from the University of Leicester have been involved in many Martian missions. This, coupled with their work on instruments from Martian satellites, current and past, has built a huge bank of expertise that Nasa may draw on as it makes plans for its rover mission in 2020."

Nasa's Mars Exploration Program is engaged in a long-term robotic exploration of the Red Planet.

It is gathering information about the challenges of future manned expeditions.